Columbia, Mo. - The No. 4 ranked Columbia College men's soccer team got their 2022 campaign underway tonight as they played host to the No. 6 ranked Vikings of Missouri Valley College. After a back-and-forth battle, the Cougars and Vikings played to a 1-1 tie at the end of 90-minutes. According to new NAIA and NCAA rules, overtime has been eliminated during the regular season. 

A physical game that saw both teams exchanging on-goal shots, the Vikings found the back of the net first at the 55-minute mark when Malik Hasanovikj played the ball to Stevan Milosevic who was able to convert and push the Vikings to the 1-0 lead. 

The Cougar offense came alive in the second-half as they collected five shots on goal. 

A defensive build-up saw Nathan Durdle make a tight pass to Ethan Blake right outside of the box. Blake made it past two defenders and took a shot just inside the box where he was able to bring the Cougars level, 1-1. 

The remaining time played out with more aggressive play and a few saves made by goalkeeper Liam Gibbs. 

With the draw, the Cougars take their 0-0-1 record on the road to Indiana Wesleyan University next Wednesday, August 31st. Kick-off is set for 5pm in Marion, Indiana.